Large "Tactical Virtues" Bindrune Patch (OATTH)

The OATTH runes, originally inspired by the essay “The Way of Men, Gods and Runes,” were selected to symbolize the 4 Tactical Virtues introduced in The Way of Men and the Germanic gods and concepts most closely associated with them. Men all over the world have had these runes tattooed on their knuckles, arms, torsos and even their heads to remind themselves of these primal masculine virtues.

O - Othala. Othala (ᛟ) is most closely associated with the “ancestral home or inherited estate.” Often used to symbolize tribe, family and the people within the sacred enclosure or perimeter, here it is associated with the tactical virtue of Honor. At its simplest root, honor is a concern for one’s reputation within one’s own circle or peer group. To care about your own honor demonstrates respect for the opinions and values of the men included in your “we.”

A - Ansuz. Ansuz (ᚫ) is the god rune, most closely associated with Odin, the Allfather and leader of the Aesir. Odin is a god of magic, ecstasy and inspiration -- but also a seeker of knowledge and understanding. He hanged himself on Yggdrasil for nine nights to receive the mysteries of the runes, and gave his eye to drink from Mimir’s well of wisdom. Here, Ansuz and Odin are associated with the tactical virtue of Mastery. In addition to Strength and Courage, men have always demanded competence and a mastery of useful skills, as well as a certain self-mastery and discipline from each other. Odin is a complicated and mysterious figure with a dualistic nature, and Ansuz is found in the OATTH bindrune reflected.

T - Tiwaz. Tiwaz (ᛏ) is linked to victory and the god Tyr, who courageously sacrificed his own hand to Fenrir to maintain order and balance in the world. Here, Tiwaz is connected to the Tactical Virtue of Courage. Historically, Tiwaz runes have often been stacked to invoke Tyr and ensure triumph in battle, and they are stacked here as well

TH - Thurisaz. Thurisaz (ᚦ) is the thorn and the Thurs -- the external enemy or “giant.” The Thurs rune is still used today in several languages, and has often been used to spell the name of the god Thor, as in Þórr, Þunor and Þonar, whose name comes from the Germanic root Þunraz, meaning “thunder.” Thor is the Thunder God and strongest of all the gods. Here, Thor and Thurisaz are connected to the Tactical Virtue of Strength. Thor’s nature is also complex and dualistic, however, and the Thurisaz rune is mirrored here. Strength is a raw power and can be used for or against one’s people. Thor was half Thurs or “giant,” and chose to fight for the Aesir against the other half of his nature. He is a protector to those inside his enclosure, but a giant to giants, a fearsome slayer of giants, enemies and outsiders.